Fully Escorted Guided tour highlights include Waitomo, Hobbiton, Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington, Blenheim and Christchurch clients

Transcription

1 Fully Escorted Guided tour highlights include Waitomo, Hobbiton, Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington, Blenheim and Christchurch clients Highlights of your 5 day adventure will include: Waitomo Caves, Hobbiton Movie Set, Mitai Maori Village, the geo thermal capital of Rotorua, Lake Taupo and Craters of the moon, Huka Falls, then onto the capital city of Wellington. Travel on the interislander ferry from the north to south island, wine tasting in Blenheim and visit the seaside town of Kaikoura where you can have the option to go whale watching before travelling to Christchurch. Itinerary start date: 25th August 2014 Itinerary end date: 29th August 2014 Day 1-25th August 2014 Fully Escorted Private Charter - including experienced driver/guide - 49 seater coach You will be collected from your hotel this morning at 7:30am. Your transport is a private 49 seater air conditioned coach. Well appointed 4-5 star vehicle. with ample leg room and custom interiors. Auckland City to Waitomo The lush farmland of the Waikato and the limestone hills of the Waitomo region provide some great scenery as you head south. Waitomo is home to a huge network of caves from the magical Glow Worms, stunning Rakiura Cave or for a more active experience try black water rafting. Waitomo Glow Worm Caves Check in 15 minutes prior to your tour time of (every 1/2 hr from 9-5pm) at 39 Waitomo Caves Road (500m west of town centre). Wear closed toe shoes. Allow an hour for this tour. Formed over 30 million years ago there are two levels to the Waitomo Glow-worm Caves which are 16 metres apart. The upper level is dry and includes the entrance to the cave, the Catacombs and the Organ Loft. The lower level consists of stream passages and the Cathedral. As you glide quietly

2 beneath the lights of thousands of glowworms, it is only the gentle sound of dripping water that reminds you that you are deep underground and not beneath a star filled sky. Waitomo to Matamata The lush farmland of the Waikato and the limestone hills of the Waitomo region provide some great scenery as you head north. Once you reach Matamata you are in hobbit country and the route takes you to the town of Matamata where you can still visit the film locations made famous in the Lord of the Rings trilogy at Hobbiton Movie Set and Farm Tours. Hobbiton Movie Set Tour Check in at The Shires Rest (501 Buckland Road) 15 minutes prior to your tour time. Wear suitable clothing and footwear to walk the Hobbiton paths (around 1 hour of easy walking) Discover the real Middle-earth on the most picturesque private farmland, where you can visit the Hobbiton Movie Set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films in a fascinating 2 hour guided tour. The set has been completely rebuilt and can be seen as it appeared in the films. The Green Dragon Inn is now open and is a special feature of our tours. There are spectacular views across rolling green hills to the Kaimai Ranges. As the Hobbiton Movie Set is located on a real New Zealand sheep and beef farm, you also have the opportunity to cuddle and bottle feed the pet lambs. Matamata to Rotorua Just south of Matamata is the township of Tirau, home to the largest tin sheep and sheepdog, but it also offers a surprising number of bric a brac, art, craft and antique stores if you feel like browsing. Arriving into the City of Rotorua the regions geothermal activity becomes evident as you see steam rising from the roadside and surrounding hills. Considered the cultural centre for the Maori people, Rotorua is the ideal place to gain an insight into the history and culture. The Rotorua Museum located in the government gardens is outstanding and its displays and presentations focus on the local Maori tribes and the major events through history that have affected them. Dominating the display is the devastating volcanic eruption of Mt. Tarawera in 1886 but also of great interest is the Maori battalion display which portrays stories of this once feared military unit. Nearby Ohinemutu Village is the original site of the first Maori settlers in the area and despite its now modern surroundings and buildings you can still gain a sense of what the original village was like. The magnificent meeting house and historic carvings along with the unique 'Tudor-style' St Faiths Church feature in many visitors photo albums. One of the most popular introductions to the Maori Culture is through an evening at Mitai Maori Village where you can enjoy performances and demonstrations followed by a traditionally cooked hangi meal. Mitai Maori Village and Rainbow Springs Beauty By Night combo

3 You will be collected from the reception area of your accommodation for your Mitai Maori Village and Rainbow Springs experience. Wear warm clothing and comfortable walking shoes as some of the activities are outdoors. Experience finishes at 10.30pm during summer and 9.30pm during winter. An evening at Mitai will give you an authentic introduction to Maori culture leaving you amazed and in awe. Be enthralled by the natural bush setting, see warriors in traditional dress, paddle an ancient warrior canoe (waka) down the Wai-o-whiro stream, and don't miss your only opportunity in the Rotorua area to see glow worms in their natural habitat. Marvel at the crystal clear water full of eels and trout, flowing directly from the earth at the sacred Fairy Spring. See your traditionally cooked hangi meal being lifted from the ground. During our cultural performance, you'll learn about our past, carvings and ta moko (tattoo art). Be captivated by the displays of weaponry and combat, coupled with the grace and beauty of the poi dance. You'll be amazed by the spine tingling haka finale. The Mitai family is proud to have created a sacred and spiritual place that offers you an indigenous cultural experience like no other. Rainbow Springs Beauty by Night Rainbow Springs offers the chance to see some of New Zealand s native flora and fauna in magnificent surrounds. Take in the native bush, ferns, trees and plants that grow and flower all around you as you wander through the tree lined park. A spring fed pool is stocked with large rainbow, brown and tiger trout and many native birds also make the streams and ponds home. In the aviaries you will find kea, kaka, tui, keruru and kiwi plus many more. The Tuatara, New Zealand s living dinosaur can also be seen here. You will also find the Kiwi Encounter, the only purpose-built kiwi conservation centre open to the public in the world! This is your opportunity to take a behind-the-scenes glimpse at kiwi conservation in action. Get a first hand insight into the efforts to stop the extinction of a species that is New Zealand s national icon. Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Rotorua Room type: Room configuration to be advised - includes breakfast Address: Corner Eruera & Hinemaru Streets, Rotorua Tel: Day 2-26th August 2014 Rotorua Rotorua sits on top of one of the worlds most active volcanic regions. Below the surface the earths crust grinds and moves producing heat and molten rock. Throughout the city and its surrounds the evidence of this is surprisingly common. Steam rising from cracks in the road, bubbling and hissing water in pools along the lakes edge and of course the strong smell of sulphur. The original Maori inhabitants recognised the great potential of this natural resource and applied it to cook their food and a plentiful supply of hot water to relax and bathe in didn't go unnoticed by the early European tourists. Today Rotorua offers a myriad of activities for all to enjoy. Its compact city centre is ideal to stroll and enjoy the cuisine and hospitality. Agrodome Sheep Show and Organic Farm Tour

4 The World Famous Agrodome show is a must-do for any visitor to New Zealand. The show will take you through a fascinating insight into the world of New Zealand agriculture. During this multi award winning show you will be entertained and informed as a real kiwi shearer (black singlet and all) presents 19 breeds of champion sheep, shears a sheep using the world record Bowen technique, works noisy Huntaway and silent Strong-Eyed dogs and completes the NZ dog trial. Have the opportunity to milk a cow, feed a lamb and even buy a sheep! Then take a ride on the Agrodome organic guided tour around the picturesque working farm. Jump on the back of a tractor with one of the knowledgeable farming staff, stopping along the way for some up close and personal encounters. Have the opportunity to hand feed a variety of NZ farm animals including Cattle, Alpaca, Ostriches, Sheep, Emus and Deer. Take a tour of the Organic Kiwifruit Orchard for a peak under the vines and a chance to taste Kiwifruit juice/wine and farm tour honey. Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland This thermal area around 30 kilometres south of Rotorua has many walking tracks to take you through this strange landscape. Bubbling mud pools, simmering waters rising from the depths and colourful sulphurous pools make this a fascinating insight into the geothermal activity that goes on below Rotorua's surface. Lady Knox Geyser can be seen erupting at 10:15am daily, shooting water up to 10 metres into the air. There are 3 well signposted walking tracks and an informative brochure tells you about each feature. A gift shop and cafe are also on site. Open daily 8.30 am 5.00 pm (last admission 3.45pm) Rotorua to Taupo The drive today takes you through the volcanic valleys and both Wai O Tapu Thermal Wonderland and the Waimangu Volcanic Valley are well signposted on the main highway between the two towns. The town of Taupo sits on New Zealand's largest lake, Lake Taupo. Just north of the town are the Huka Falls and a short detour to view is highly recommended. Craters of the Moon is a nearby geothermal reserve with well formed walking tracks around its many bulling pools and steaming vents. The lake is actually a volcanic caldera formed following a massive eruption in the year 186 and is considered to be one of the most massive and violent eruptions known. The town itself is a lively place with many shops, bars and cafes all catering for the traveller and visitor. A whole host of activities can be undertaken here such as bungy jumping, sky diving, fishing for trout in the lake and rivers, kayaking, sailing, horse riding and walking and hiking to name but a few. Huka Falls

5 Lake Taupo has a massive capacity of approximately 59 cubic kilometres and its only outlet is the Waikato River. At Huka, just north of the town centre the Waikato River is forced through a narrow volcanic rock chasm. The resulting spectacle is compounded as this massive volume of water surges towards the falls. A jet boat ride is a fun and thrilling way to see this geographic wonder or a short walk from the car park will position you onto a viewing platform. Craters of the Moon Located a few minutes north of Taupo this geothermal park known as Craters of the Moon has a great self guided 30 minute walk through steaming craters and bubbling mud pools. Well marked walkways with interpretive boards guide you through one of the regions many active volcanic parks. Accommodation: Millennium Hotel & Resort Manuel Taupo Room type: Room configuration to be advised - includes breakfast Address: 243 Lake Terrace, Taupo Tel: Day 3-27th August 2014 Taupo to Wellington The drive around the edge of New Zealand largest lake leads you to Turangi, the self proclaimed Trout Fishing Capital. You then climb up onto the central plateau and the high country Rangipo Desert. Skirting Tongariro National Park, one of New Zealand s three world heritage sites and clouds permitting you can see the 2,500 metre peak of the still volcanically active Mt. Ruapehu. You might recognise the symmetrical shape of Mt. Ngauruhoe as this was used as the scenery of Mt. Doom in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. A little further the military town of Waiouru also hosts the Army Museum, an incredible collection of New Zealand s military history and a memorial to its servicemen. Heading south you pass through the rural towns of Taihape, Mangaweka and Bulls before arriving on the Kapiti Coast. Wellington City is New Zealand's capital. It sits on a wonderful deep natural harbour and is surrounded by bush clad hills. The city centre itself is quite compact (only around 1 square kilometre) and so exploring on foot is relatively easy. From your city centre accommodation you can easily stroll the cafes and restaurants around Courtenay Place and if you arrive early enough New Zealand's national museum, Te Papa, is also close by. Wellington City

6 New Zealand's capital, Wellington, sits on a large natural harbour at the bottom of the North Island. First explored in 1826 by Captain Herd, the deep water harbour is consider one of the finest in the world and this point was a major factor in the decision to site the first organised settlement of the New Zealand Company here. "Windy Wellington" is often buffeted by strong winds whipped up in the Cook Strait, the stretch of water separating the North and South Islands. It is the worlds southern most capital city and the only city in the world that lies within the "roaring forties" latitudes. The mix of modern high rise, colonial historic and wonderful timber villas that cling to the hillsides give the city a true diversity and a fitting mix for a capital with a rich history. The executive offices of Parliament are one of the more well known landmarks in the city and the nickname "The Beehive" is very apt. Government Buildings opposite the beehive is one of the largest wooden buildings in the world. Restored to its 1876 glory it's now open to the public. Wellington is also home to a selection of great museums such as Te Papa, New Zealand's national museum (not to be missed), The National Library and the Museum of Wellington City and Sea. For some great views of the city and the harbour take the Cable Car from Lambton Quay up into the hills of Kelburn, 130 metres above the city. The ride terminates in the botanic gardens, a 26 hectare park with rose, fern, succulents, exotic trees and native forest displays. Another great vantage point is Mt. Victoria. If you're felling energetic take a stroll along the waterfront cafes of oriental bay and walk to the top of the hill. Great views across to the Hutt Valley can be enjoyed. The cannon on the summit dates back to Wellington has excellent shopping, theatre, cafes and restaurants and being only 2 kilometres wide the majority can easily be explored on foot. The capital's proximity to the sea, the mountains of the Rimutakas and Tararuas, the rolling countryside and wine regions of the Wairarapa provide a myriad of opportunities for adventure or relaxation. Wellington's museums - suggested activity Te Papa Te Papa means 'our place' and is considered to be the 'museum of New Zealand'. The building opened in 1998 and since then has shown millions of visitors it's fascinating and unique collection of New Zealand's art, history, memorabilia, natural wonders, treasures and stories as well as hosting many international displays. One of the finest collections of Maori artefacts can be found here as well as displays dedicated to the many different cultures that make up New Zealand's current population. Make sure you allow enough time to explore museums many floors. The museum is open 10am to 6pm and is free to visit. A small fee may be applicable to some short term visiting displays. Museum of Wellington City & Sea Housed in the iconic Bond Store on Wellington s waterfront, the Museum of Wellington is dedicated to the preservation and study of Wellington s rich social and cultural history. It provides a backdrop for the permanent display of the people and events that have made Wellington what it is today. The Museum s atmosphere is thick with history. The Bond Store dates back to 1892, when it was a cargo warehouse and head office of the Harbour Board. Careful restoration has preserved the building s striking facade, as well as solid timber beams and the original flooring inside. The latest technology is used to further stimulate your senses. Traditional displays sit alongside interactive exhibits, holographs and a giant cinema screen that stretches the length and breadth of an entire wall, a feature unique in Australasia. The collection includes over 95,000 items. Open 10am to 5pm entry is free. Accommodation: James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor Room type: Room configuration to be advised - includes breakfast Address: 147 The Terrace, Wellington Tel: Day 4-28th August 2014 Interislander ferry Wellington to Picton

7 Your Interislander ferry departs Wellington at 8:15am, please check in at the Interislander Terminal at 7:30am. Your ferry is scheduled to arrive in Picton at 11.35am. The 92 km journey between Wellington and Picton takes around 3 hours and has been described as 'one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world'. Leaving Wellington Harbour you pass many interesting points such as Pencarrow Head on top of which is New Zealand's oldest lighthouse (1859). Red Rocks is home to a seal colony and Oterangi Bay is the site which recorded the countries highest ever wind speed of 268 kph (167 mph). From the Cook Strait spectacular views of the Kaikoura Ranges on the South Island can be enjoyed and dolphins and many sea birds are often seen. Around one hour of the cruise takes you through the Marlborough Sounds. This region of bush covered mountains, small islands, crystal clear waters and secluded bays is a true photographic opportunity. Arriving in Picton at the end of Queen Charlotte Sound the cruise comes to an end in this picturesque town. Picton to Blenheim Follow the valley south towards Blenheim and wine growing region of Marlborough. The town of Blenheim sits right at the heart of the New Zealand's largest wine producing region, Marlborough, and is ideally located to enjoy an afternoon sampling the local produce. Brancott Estate Living Tutored wine tasting and Land Falcon Encounter You will visit the stunning Brancott Estate Heritage Centre which is located on an elevated position overlooking the original Brancott Vineyard. The location highlights the beauty of the iconic Marlborough landscape, and celebrates the home of the original Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc plantings - a varietal that has gone on to become the world s favourite New Zealand wine style. You will experience a tutored tasting of Premium Brancott Estate living Land Series wines and Falconry encounter. Working in harmony with nature not only ensures the sustainability of our wine making, but of the land itself and the life upon it. You will discover how our wines are created with the natural environment in mind and have the opportunity to view a rare native New Zealand Falcon in a unique flying demonstration. The Living Land Falcon Encounter takes place in the midst of the renowned Brancott Vineyard. This is a wonderful opportunity to see this amazing bird in action, as well as being educational and entertaining. A spectacular and up-close encounter! This is followed by a tutored tasting of our Brancott Estate Living Land Series wines, including two wines made from organic grapes. Take the unique opportunity to have your photo taken with the Falcon, available for purchase on departure ($8 per photo). Blenheim

8 Surrounded by row upon row of vines, Blenheim sits at the heart of the Marlborough Wine region. A compact town centred on an old fashioned market place, Blenheim is a great place to soak up the country atmosphere. Of course the region is most famous for its world class wines and a visit would not be complete without sampling the vintages at the many wineries. Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Marlborough Room type: Room configuration to be advised - includes breakfast Address: Cnr Alfred & Henry Streets, Blenheim 7420 Tel: Day 5-29th August 2014 Blenheim to Kaikoura Crossing the 'dry hills' of the Marlborough ranges you head towards one of the most spectacular coastlines of the South Island, the Kaikoura Coast. The road hugs the shore for around 50 kilometres and offers many chances to view the native wildlife such as seabirds and New Zealand fur seals. To the east is the turquoise of the South Pacific Ocean and to the west the towering Kaikoura Ranges. Kaikoura Township is a bustling little place with many cafes, restaurants and shops but the main reason for visiting here is the wildlife. Whale Watch Kaikoura is New Zealand's only marine-based whale watching company offering visitors an exciting up-close encounter with the Giant Sperm Whale at all times of the year.kaikoura is New Zealand's world famous whale watching destination. Sperm Whales can be seen here year-round while depending on the season you may also see migrating Humpback Whales, Pilot Whales, Blue Whales and Southern Right Whales. Another great Kaikoura activity is Swimming with the Seals. Donning a wet suit you have the opportunity to interact with these inquisitive creatures on their terms. Wings over Whales also offer tours from fixed wing aircraft to view the whales and other marine creatures from 500 feet in the air. Whale Watch Kaikoura - suggested activity Every Whale Watch tour is a unique experience and the sightings vary. Giant Sperm Whales are the stars of the show and year-round residents. A typical Whale Watch tour may encounter New Zealand Fur Seals, pods of Dusky Dolphins and the endangered Wandering Albatross. Depending on the season you may also see migrating Humpback Whales, Pilot Whales, Blue Whales and Southern Right Whales. Kaikoura often hosts the world's largest dolphin - the Orca - and is home to the world's smallest and rarest - the Hector's. Kaikoura also attracts the largest concentration and variety of seabirds on mainland New Zealand including 13 species of Albatross, 14 varieties of Petrels and 7 types of Shearwater. The vessels used are designed specially for whale watching and the modern catamarans are equipped with engines that minimise underwater noise and toilets that never pollute the sea. The main passenger cabin is enclosed and large outside decks offer great viewing and photo opportunities. Spacious air-conditioned interiors are fitted with comfortable seating while large plasma screens display award-winning marine wildlife animations. Passenger numbers for each tour are kept well below the vessel carrying capacity to ensure your tour experience remains a personal one. Dolphin Encounter Swimming with the Dolphins - suggested activity

9 Experience Swimming with the Dolphins with Dolphin Encounter, the pioneers of dolphin swimming in New Zealand, who have developed their tours for those wishing to enhance their understanding of dolphins in their natural environment, a truly unique experience. The dusky dolphins inhabit the coastal waters off Kaikoura all year round, making Kaikoura a unique place in the world where wild dolphins can be encountered every day, weather permitting. Kaikoura to Christchurch The drive from Kaikoura to Christchurch continues to follow the spectacular coastline before heading inland and through North Canterbury s major wine region, the Waipara Valley. You are also introduced you to the South Island s most numerous inhabitant, the sheep. Arriving into Christchurch City puts you close to the airport and the International Antarctic Centre and a visit is highly recommended. Here you can get as close to experiencing life on the frozen continent without actually visiting plus see New Zealand little blue penguins and ride in a Haaglund Tracked vehicle. Your accommodation summary All rooms reserved are non-smoking and unless specified otherwise all rooms have their own private ensuite bathrooms. Day 1 Millennium Hotel Rotorua - Room configuration to be advised - includes breakfast Day 2 Millennium Hotel & Resort Manuel Taupo - Room configuration to be advised - includes breakfast Day 3 James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor - Room configuration to be advised - includes breakfast Day 4 Scenic Hotel Marlborough - Room configuration to be advised - includes breakfast Accommodation contact details To contact the properties from outside New Zealand replace the 0 with +64 (e.g ) Millennium Hotel Rotorua -Phone Address Corner Eruera & Hinemaru Streets, Rotorua Millennium Hotel & Resort Manuel Taupo -Phone Address 243 Lake Terrace, Taupo James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor -Phone Address 147 The Terrace, Wellington Scenic Hotel Marlborough

10 -Phone Address Cnr Alfred & Henry Streets, Blenheim 7420 Tour inclusions and information - speciality group tours As well as the specified accommodation, meals, activities, private coach with driver and other arrangements detailed in your itienrary the following services are also included with our group coach tours. Expert planning and tour management services Highly detailed itinerary with New Zealand photo book Free phone help line while you travel in New Zealand All New Zealand Goods and Services Taxes (GST) These terms and conditions apply to private chartered Group Tours only and superscede any other terms and conditions displayed on our website. Cancellation Policy - Group Coach Tours Cancellation days prior your tour commencement date: If you cancel your tour days prior to your tour commencement date a cancellation fee of 35% of the total tour reservation value plus any cancellation fees applied by other providers such as accommodation, car rental and other activities. Cancellation 20-8 days prior your tour commencement date: If you cancel your tour 20-8 days prior to your tour commencement date a cancellation fee of 50% of the total tour reservation value plus any cancellation fees applied by other providers such as accommodation, car rental and other activities. Cancellation 7 days or less prior your tour commencement date: If you cancel your tour 7 days or less prior to your tour commencement date a cancellation fee of 100% of the total tour reservation applies. Amendments to group tours Amendments such as reducing or increasing the number of guests on a private group tour will have an affect on the total cost of the tour and on the per person cost. E.g. reducing the group number will potentially increase the cost the remaining passengers will need to pay. This amount will need to be calculated on each individual tour so please ensure that you check with your consultant. A travel agent or other third party may have their own cancellation policy and if the reservation was made through such a third party you may be liable for additional cancellation costs. Please check when you make your reservation through a travel agent or third party. Additional cancellation fees may be incurred for, but not necessarily limited to, reservations for other activities and accommodation. Fine Tours New Zealand reserves the right to reclaim these costs from you. You should be aware that New Zealand domestic airfares, ferries and some other activities of the like are normally non-refundable at any time and you will have been notified of this at the time of making your reservation. Additional cancellation fees may be incurred for, but not necessarily limited to, reservations for other activities and accommodation. New Zealand Coach Tours Ltd reserves the right to reclaim these costs from you. A flexible approach We are not in the business of making money through cancellation fees but we do need to cover our costs for work undertaken on your behalf. We will always endeavor to calculate cancellation fees as fairly and quickly as possible. You may change the dates of your tour at any time (subject to

11 availability), however any third party costs, such as hotel amendment fees or cancellation costs will be payable by you. Our rights New Zealand Coach Tours Ltd reserves the right to amend pricing at any time. Note if you have a confirmed itinerary we guarantee the pricing. In the event of an amendment to an itinerary that is beyond our control some services and products may be replaced. Any information provided is done so with the understanding that the information may have been provided by a third party and should therefore only be used as a guideline. New Zealand Coach Tours Ltd may use third party suppliers or providers of some services and products and as such acts as agents for those. Any claim or liability resulting from those services or products is the responsibility of the supplier or provider. New Zealand Coach Tours Ltd, its employees, independent contractors, suppliers and any person acting on behalf of New Zealand Coach Tours Ltd accept no responsibility for damage or loss to property or person howsoever caused. Third party terms and conditions The omission of a link to terms and conditions for third parties does not imply that our terms and conditions supersede those. We cannot list all of our providers terms and conditions and on request we will supply their individual terms and conditions to you. At the time of reservation we will endeavor to provide you with any information we feel you should be aware of but it is ultimately your responsibility to ensure you are happy with these terms. Statutory Protections under New Zealand Law These terms and conditions should be read subject to and in conjunction with the provisions of the Consumer Guarantees Act and the Fair Trading Act and do not affect the customers rights as expressed in these acts. Ph: ask@newzealandcoachtours.co.nz

12 Pricing for this tour: The final price will be dependent on the number of participants 40 to 49 travellers twin / double room share is $1419 NZ per person 40 to 49 travellers single occupancy is $1801 NZ per person 30 to 39 travellers twin / double room share is $1560 NZ per person 30 to 39 travellers single occupancy is $1942 NZ per person Optional activities: Whale Watch Kaikoura Adult: NZD$ 145 pp Every Whale Watch tour is a unique experience and the sightings vary. Giant Sperm Whales are the stars of the show and year-round residents. A typical Whale Watch tour may encounter New Zealand Fur Seals, pods of Dusky Dolphins and the endangered Wandering Albatross. Depending on the season you may also see migrating Humpback Whales, Pilot Whales, Blue Whales and Southern Right Whales. Kaikoura often hosts the world's largest dolphin - the Orca - and is home to the world's smallest and rarest - the Hector's. Kaikoura also attracts the largest concentration and variety of seabirds on mainland New Zealand including 13 species of Albatross, 14 varieties of Petrels and 7 types of Shearwater. The vessels used are designed specially for whale watching and the modern catamarans are equipped with engines that minimise underwater noise and toilets that never pollute the sea. The main passenger cabin is enclosed and large outside decks offer great viewing and photo opportunities. Spacious air-conditioned interiors are fitted with comfortable seating while large plasma screens display award-winning marine wildlife animations. Passenger numbers for each tour are kept well below the vessel carrying capacity to ensure your tour experience remains a personal one. Dolphin Encounter Swimming with the Dolphins Adult NZD$ 170 pp. Experience Swimming with the Dolphins with Dolphin Encounter, the pioneers of dolphin swimming in New Zealand, who have developed their tours for those wishing to enhance their understanding of dolphins in their natural environment, a truly unique experience. The dusky dolphins inhabit the coastal waters off Kaikoura all year round, making Kaikoura a unique place in the world where wild dolphins can be encountered every day, weather permitting.